Balasore, Odisha – Soumyashree Bisi, a 20-year-old B.Ed student at Fakir Mohan College, died after setting herself on fire on campus following alleged sexual harassment by her HoD, Samir Kumar Sahu.
She had approached Sahu for help with attendance, but he allegedly demanded sexual favours in return. Despite filing a complaint on July 1, the college internal committee cleared the HoD. The principal allegedly pressured her to withdraw the complaint, warning she could be rusticated.
Ignored by the college and government officials—even after tagging them on social media—Soumyashree staged a protest on July 12 and took the extreme step. She died two days later in hospital.
The incident triggered public outrage. The HoD was arrested, the principal suspended, and state and national bodies launched investigations. President Droupadi Murmu expressed grief. CM Mohan Majhi announced ₹20 lakh compensation and strict action.
The case highlights the failure of institutional mechanisms to protect students from harassment. Soumyashree’s pleas were ignored until it was too late.
